Screaming Eagle "The Flight" 2018

If any wine exemplifies the California Cult wine phenomena, it’s Screaming Eagle, which made its auspicious debut with their 1992 vintage. Within two short years, the wine quickly shot to the top of the hot must-have collectible charts driving collectors into a frenzy and creating a phenomena that had enthusiasts tripping over each other to obtain. This majestic wine continues to drive commanding prices. Allocating this wine is like grasping oil with your hands.

This luxury liquid is rarely tasted outside the winery, as much of the wine goes to collectors whom are more likely to sell their allocation than drink it; however, those who have had the unique opportunity are overwhelmed with its upfront elegance. "The Flight", being very age worthy, is more classic Bordeaux than modern Napa, yet, still with the perfumed nose and mineral line that speaks of Oakville.  Screaming Eagle isn’t about power, but rather elegance, refined and pure, with a rich, silky, velvety texture. Though scarce and nearly mythical, if the wine somehow lands in a lucky individual’s hands and is willing to uncork the bottle, they would be taken on a flight to ecstasy and back.

98 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Medium to deep garnet-purple coloured, the 2018 The Flight drifts sensuously out of the glass with the most gorgeous perfume of red roses, kirsch, black raspberries and fresh blackcurrants followed by hints of iron ore, tilled soil, lavender and star anise plus a touch of powdered cinnamon. Medium to full-bodied, the palate has a fantastically chiseled structure of ripe, grainy tannins and bold freshness supporting the black fruit and floral layers, finishing with bags of minerals.

95 Points - Vinous

The 2018 The Flight is bright and effusive from the outset. A rush of ripe red/purplish fruit makes a strong opening statement. Pliant, racy and enveloping, the 2018 offers terrific immediacy, with soft contours and silky tannins adding to its considerable allure. Rose petal, lavender and blood orange infuse the silky, creamy finish with gorgeous layers of nuance. I would give the 2018 a few years to allow the tannins to soften, but it will be hard to resist until then.

94 Points -  Jeb Dunnuck

The 2018 Flight is incredibly floral and elegant, which is very much in the style of this cuvée. Crunchy red and black fruits, violets, and spring flower notes emerge from the glass, and it’s medium to full-bodied, with ripe tannins and a beautiful finish.